Michigan

Southfield Christian basketball coach Josh Baker stepped down for his five children under age of three

Southfield Christian coach Josh Baker, seen here in one of his first games back on the bench this season, stepped down from his head coaching position once he had his second set of twins, giving him five kids under age three. (Katie Bailey | MLive.com)

EAST LANSING -- Josh Baker knows a thing or two about running a basketball team.

Leading the Southfield Christian boys basketball team to back-to-back Class D state titles the last two years as the team's head coach, Baker quickly became one of the states most successful coaches.

Yet, when Christian takes the floor against Adrian Lenawee Christian today to go for a third-straight title, Baker will be looking to win the state title officially listed as an assistant coach this time around.

Why the change in position?

"Pretty much when we found out we were having our second set of twins," Baker said.

Yes, a second sets of twins.

You would probably do the same with two sets of twins and another child - all of which are under the age of three.

Yes, all under age three.

Brayden, the oldest daughter, is on the verge of turning three. Son and daughter twins Chase and Avery are about 20 months old. Finally, twin brothers Max and Quinn are three months old.

Throw in the fact that Max and Quinn were both born prematurely at the start of the season, with one having a collapsed lung at the start of the season, it was a no-brainer for Baker to step away.

Turning to his assistant Clennie Brundidge to take the helm as the interim head coach, Baker placed his trust in the staff he assembled to get the job done.

"I went into the superintendent, I went to Clennie and (assistant) John (White) and said, 'You guys are going to have to step up.'"

And they did. In the meantime, Baker attended to his quickly growing family. The good news is that everyone is doing just fine.

For Brundidge, he was suddenly thrust into the forefront for the first time. Having years of assistant coaching experience with both Christian and Southfield High, Brundidge had the challenge of making as smooth of a transition as possible for the Eagles.

"I was certainly shocked," Brundidge admitted about his temporary promotion. "I didn't know how I was going to do it. Coach Baker and I, we think alike. But sometimes, our methodology is a little different in terms of getting things done."

Yet, Baker was always a phone call away. As things started to turn for the better for Baker and his premature twins, he began to ease his way back into the sidelines, where he is his same vocal and animated self.

Baker's current plan is to return to his head coaching position next year, something that Brundidge hopes can happen.

"You saw him out there (for the semifinals)," Brundidge said. "He loves the game, he loves these kids and he loves winning."

Brundidge has always praised Baker for the fact that he teaches the kids that there is more to life than just basketball. Baker preaches to his players about being men of integrity.

It should come as no surprise that Baker's players, school, and community came through for him in his time of need.

"They have been incredible," Baker said. "They did a diaper drive for us. We have had someone make us meals a couple of times a week for over three months. People drop off gifts. We have a group of moms at the school that pray for us every single day - for my kids and my family - every single day.

"To have that kind of prayer support, and just the support from the community, has been incredible."